AUTHORISED HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE TOURS AROUND EUROPE – PORTUGAL – EUROPEAN RALLY – 10-21 JUNE 2012

Some of the most breathtaking scenery can be found in this part of Spain and Portugal and you will ride some of the best roads in Europe. The scenery of the mountains and sleepy villages from the Picos De Europa and across to Lisbon on the rugged Atlantic coast is varied and beautiful.

We will visit spectacular gorges and mountains, beautiful National park lands and remote unspoilt medieval villages and towns. Many areas of Northern Spain & Portugal are mostly untouched by the hustle of today's modern life and in many of the small sleepy villages you feel that time has passed them by. Accommodation is first class as you stay in ancient castles, palaces and monasteries and the traditional menus each night are hard to beat - an amazing adventure and a chance to experience 'real' Spain & Portugal. You'll have three nights very near Cascais & a chance to visit the European Rally.
This is a truly magnificent touring ride & holiday staying in luxury accommodation. Stunning roads with stress-free riding, this is not a dash to the Rally but a once in a lifetime trip you won't forget.

Day 1. Sunday June 10. Overnight ferry from Plymouth to Santander.

Day 2. Monday June 11. Santander to Lerma (approx. 130 miles)
We leave Santander and head south around the Picos de Europa Mountains and towards Burgos. From here it's on to our first night stop in Lerma. Tonight's 4-star hotel was formerly a 17th century Ducal palace and sits overlooking the old town. Dinner with wine is included tonight.

Day 3. Tuesday June 12. Lerma to Gredos (approx. 200 miles)
We continue west today passing north of Madrid & the Guadarrama Mountains. Onto our hotel for tonight which is nestled in the heart of the fabulous Gredos mountains overlooking the Tormes valley. Dinner with wine is included tonight.

Day 4. Wednesday June 13. Gredos to Marvao (approx. 200 miles)
More fabulous back roads today as we cross into Portugal and our first Pousada in the village of Marvao. Once again dinner with wine awaits you.

Day 5. Thursday June 14. Marvao to Sintra (approx. 160 miles)
We make our way cross country on deserted back roads, towards the Atlantic coast and to Sintra, near Cascais, where we are based for three nights.
The 4-star Pestana Sintra Golf Resort and Spa Hotel is located in the Qunita de Beloura's exclusive residential complex, a couple of miles away from the World Heritage site of Sintra and within easy reach of Estoril, Cascais & Lisbon. Overlooking the Sintra hills, the hotel boasts the perfect location on its own 18-hole golf-course designed by Rocky Roquemore. Diner with wine is included tonight. The next two nights are B&B only allowing you the chance to explore Lisbon and the rally at Cascais.

Day 6. Friday June 15. Day off to visit the rally.

Day 7. Saturday June 16. Day off to visit the rally.

Day 8. Sunday June 17. Sintra to Crato (approx. 130 miles)
As we start our return journey we head northeast on more scenic back roads until we reach our castle accommodation in Crato where dinner with wine awaits.

Day 9. Monday June 18. Crato to Cuidad Rodrigo (approx. 150 miles)
More cross county roads and back into Spain. Tonight we stay at the 14th century 4-star castle. This ancient town was embroiled in the Peninsular War against Napoleon and is steeped in history.

Day 10. Tuesday June 19. Cuidad Rodrigo to Cervera de Pisuerga (approx. 220 miles)
We continue north today and back into the stunning Picos de Europa Mountains where we started our journey. The hotel tonight is just outside the small town of Cervera de Pisuerga and is situated in the Fuentes Carrionas Nature Reserve in the foothills of the Picos de Europa. It is traditionally built and has magnificent views down to the water of the Ruesga reservoir. Dinner with wine for our party night is included.

Day 11. Wednesday June 20. Cervera de Pisuerga to Santander (approx. 140 miles)
Today we return to Santander to catch the overnight ferry back to the UK.

Day 12. Thursday June 21. Arrive back at Plymouth.

Total tour mileage approx. 1,300 (not including any mileage whilst at the rally)

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